We're back from a lovely holiday in Madeira, the weather was perfect and the island is absolutely beautiful. We were so lucky to have a panoramic view from our villa's verandah, I took a ridiculous amount of photos - I always do, but it's hard not to when you're in such a lovely place. We came back to find the weather here was also amazing, we hadn't expected that, it was less of a shock to the system.
Yesterday I had a lovely trip out with friends to Raveningham Hall Gardens to see the snowdrops - what a fantastic sight! I hadn't been there for years, but will be going again, I love walled gardens and will be back to see it in the spring/summer. It's great to have somewhere like that so close to home. We sat enjoying the view from a garden seat and couldn't believe how hot it was. I also have to point out that the cheese scones were excellent.
I received an early birthday gift yesterday, a gorgeous pair of hand knitted fingerless gloves! They are a perfect fit and will help keep my hands warm at the Farmer's Market at Beccles on Saturday morning, my hands really do get cold in that great big hangar, so thank you Ann, much appreciated. 
On our way back from Gatwick Airport on Sunday we had a pub lunch with cousins and then stopped at the Bead Fair in Colchester, I have to admit that I spent rather a lot of money! I will be updating the website over the next month or so, I haven't had time to make very much yet, but will enjoy designing new items with my new purchases. Before we went on holiday I had received quite a lot of new silver items, so I will be putting those on the website first - I have already added some stud earrings (and there will be a lot more). The Leaping Hare brooches which keep selling out are back in stock - I know a couple of you are waiting for them.

During the past couple of very cold weeks Dick and I set out on our dog-walking trips wearing several layers of clothing, which is very necessary but not very flattering. Luckily for me some of the walks have necessitated a stop at the post-box for me to post jewellery orders - which is great for this time of year when things are usually super-quiet. After one particularly cold and windy walk last week we were puffing up our drive ready for a nice cup of tea (and cake), we looked so big that we decided to change our names to Stout and Portly. Sadly I think they suit us rather well.  I chose Portly for myself, I think it's quite a pretty name. Come to think about it "Stout and Portly" would also make a very good micro-brewery name. 
Tomorrow morning will see the first Produce Market of the year at Halesworth, I'm really looking forward to it, it seems such a long time since the last one. It's a lovely, friendly market, and well worth a visit.
I have been busy making new necklaces this week and have put some on the website, with some still to add, why not have a look New Items
I had to titter - Dick just received a business text which had obviously been changed by predictive text - it started "Good afternoon Duck". I'm so easily amused, I just loved that. 

As I'm sure you're all aware yesterday was the coldest day of the winter so far. Dick was away early as he was working in London, so Otto and I were left to our own devices. Call me daft (you know you want to!), but when it is really cold I like to give the chickens a real treat of a nice hot meal, and I'm quite sure they are grateful. However, I put their treat on the hob only to find that we had no gas, the chickens therefore had a cold breakfast and although they didn't actually complain Chalky the cockerel didn't look too happy and the ladies looked a little crestfallen. Dick has replenished the gas stocks today so hopefully full restaurant service will resume tomorrow.
Dick has worked away a few days this week, and Otto really doesn't seem to like it. On Tuesday when it got dark Otto decided to wait at the top of the drive for him to come home, it took a while to persuade him to come indoors as I knew it would be a couple of hours before he arrived. What a lovely, loyal dog he is. 
I have moved some of my activities in from the workshop while it's so cold, so I have been card making as well as doing my silver work inside. I will have both silver and cards with me tomorrow morning at Beccles Farmers Market. It would be lovely to see you there.